Who is a good candidate for hair restoration?
Hair transplants are ideal for those with thinning hair or bald spots. However, not everyone qualifies. Hair transplants achieve 90–95% graft survival rates for scalp hair, with studies showing excellent results when proper candidacy criteria are met. Here's what makes a good candidate:
Hair thinning or bald spots
A hair transplant is best for individuals with visible thinning or bald patches. According to research, scalp hair shows 89% survival, beard hair 95% survival, and chest hair 76% survival at 1-year follow-up.
Sufficient donor hair
Candidates need healthy hair follicles in the donor area, usually the back or sides of the head. The donor area must be preserved by skilled surgeons for any future procedures.
Good health
General health is important for quick recovery and successful results. Patients should have controlled blood pressure and no uncontrolled medical conditions.
Realistic expectations
Understanding the 12–18 month timeline for full results helps set realistic goals. According to a clinical study of 820 cases, 94% of patients were satisfied with results at 12 months post-surgery.
Seeking a permanent solution
Hair transplants offer long-term results, especially with proper post-operative care and realistic expectations about the recovery process.
Why choose Turkey for a hair transplant?
Turkey has become a top destination for hair restoration procedures, offering quality care at affordable prices. According to the Turkish Ministry of Health data, Turkey hosted approximately 2 million health tourists in 2024, generating over $10 billion in revenue.
Hair transplantation represents around 50% of medical tourists, making Turkey the world's leading destination for hair restoration procedures. Here's why Turkey stands out:
Affordability
Medical procedures in Turkey are priced 50–80% lower than counterparts in the United States or United Kingdom. FUE treatments range from £1,950 ($2,500) to £4,680 ($6,000), verified through Bookimed pricing data. These competitive prices make Turkey a leading choice for cost-effective restoration.
All-inclusive packages
Most clinics in Turkey provide comprehensive packages that include stays at 4- or 5-star hotels, VIP transfers, and thorough post-operative care. These packages make the experience convenient and stress-free for international patients.
A Bookimed patient from France who underwent treatment described their experience: "Just an amazing attention to everything, from the moment the limousine picked me up to the moment the limo brought me back to the hotel."
Experienced surgeons
Turkey is a global hub for hair restoration, with 425 clinics offering hair transplant procedures according to Bookimed data. Leading facilities such as Adem and Havva Medical Center (4.8/5, Istanbul), Istanbul Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Center (4.7/5, Istanbul), and Quartz Hospital (4.7/5, Istanbul) perform high-volume procedures.
Highly skilled surgeons including Dr. Hakan Ikizoglu (Dr. MED, developer of Hybrid technique), Dr. Leyla Arvas (Quartz Hospital), and Dr. Cengiz Yaylaci (500+ monthly procedures) use advanced FUE and DHI techniques to deliver natural-looking results.
A Bookimed patient at Adem and Havva Medical Center noted: "Excellent organisation and attitude to the patient. The doctor prepares the channels for the hair herself."
Medical tourism hub
Turkey's medical tourism market is projected to grow from USD 3.97 billion in 2024 to USD 7.18 billion by 2034. This extensive experience has built Turkey's reputation as a trusted destination for international patients seeking quality restoration at competitive prices.
Patients consistently rate Turkish clinics highly, with Memorial Şişli Hospital receiving 5.0/5 ratings and testimonials like this one: "The quality of the hospital service is second to none, with well-organised, highly competent services that are always available to patients. The hospitals are like luxury hotels, you feel good, you are looked after and followed throughout your stay." Patient reviews are available for further insights.
Hair transplant recovery timeline
Understanding the recovery process helps set realistic expectations. Initial recovery takes 5–7 days on average, with the following timeline:
- Days 1–7: Scabs form around grafts, some swelling and redness normal.
- Weeks 2–4: Shock loss occurs (40% of scalp hair, 30% of beard hair shed - this is normal).
- Month 3: New growth begins, approximately 30% of transplanted hairs emerge.
- Month 6: 60–70% of hairs have grown, results become more visible.
- Month 9: 90–100% of hairs have emerged, continued thickening.
- Month 12: Final results visible, with 90% hair growth completion.
A Bookimed patient reported: "Doctors were very capable and understanding doctors. The result was fantastic."
How much do hair implants in Turkey cost?
So, what is the cost of a hair transplant in Turkey per graft? The country offers some of the most affordable options globally, with costs ranging from £0.70 to £1.10 ($0.85 to $1.35). In comparison, procedures in the United Kingdom average £2.25 to £4.87 ($2.85 to $6.20), while in the United States, prices range between £3.50 and £5.00 ($4.50 to $6.25). Canada has similar rates, with costs between £3.75 and £5.25 ($4.75 to $6.50).
This pricing shows the substantial savings available in Turkey, where options can be up to 80% cheaper than in Western countries.
Average price for hair restoration in Turkey VS in other countries
| Country/Region | Cost per Graft (GBP) (USD) |
|---|---|
| Turkey | £0.70 – £1.10 ($0.85 – $1.35) |
| United Kingdom | £2.25 – £4.87 ($2.85 – $6.20) |
| United States | £3.50 – £5.00 ($4.50 – $6.25) |
| Canada | £3.75 – £5.25 ($4.75 – $6.50) |
Factors influencing hair restoration cost
Several key factors affect the overall price of a procedure. Here are the main ones:
Technique used
Advanced methods like DHI and ARTAS are typically more expensive due to specialized equipment. Even FUE costs vary depending on the surgeon's expertise and the clinic's reputation.
Number of grafts
The number of grafts significantly impacts the price. Larger bald areas require more hair follicles, which increases the total cost.
Clinic reputation
Clinics with highly skilled surgeons certified by international bodies such as the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS), which represents over 2,000 international physicians, and the European Hair Research Society (EHRS) often charge higher fees. These certifications reflect the surgeons' expertise and adherence to global standards.
Geographical location
Prices vary by location. Turkey is known for competitive pricing, making it a popular choice, while the U.K. and U.S. generally have higher costs.
Additional services
Clinics in Turkey provide all-inclusive packages, including accommodation, airport transfers, and post-operative care. These extras affect the final price but add value for international patients.
Types of hair restoration in Turkey
Hair restoration procedures come in various types, each designed to address different needs and preferences.
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FUE (Follicular unit extraction) – Uses 0.8–1.0mm micro-punches to extract individual follicular units, achieving 90–95% graft survival rates in clinical studies. Hair follicles are extracted individually and implanted, leading to minimal scarring and a faster recovery.
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DHI (Direct hair implantation) – Uses a special tool to place each hair follicle directly, creating fuller results with precise angle control.
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FUT (Follicular unit transplantation) – A strip of the scalp is removed, divided into follicles, and transplanted, covering larger areas but leaving a linear scar.
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Organic hair transplant – Incorporates PRP therapy to boost healing and promote hair growth.
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ARTAS robotic hair transplant – A robotic system that precisely places hair follicles with computer-guided accuracy.
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Unshaven hair transplant – Allows hair transplantation without shaving the head, enabling discreet recovery.
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Female hair transplant – Focuses on areas where women typically experience thinning, like the hairline or crown.
Different hair implantation techniques costs
Patients seeking the best value can find exceptional options, as Turkish clinics offer competitive rates without compromising quality or expertise. Turkey is a top choice for affordable procedures, with costs often 60–70% lower than in the U.K., U.S., and Canada.
For instance, FUE costs in Turkey range from £1,950 ($2,500) to £4,680 ($6,000), while the same procedure costs £4,520 ($5,800) to £9,740 ($12,500) in the U.K.—saving patients up to £5,060 ($6,500). Similarly, DHI costs in Turkey are between £2,730 ($3,500) and £6,240 ($8,000), compared to as high as £12,690 ($16,300) in the U.S.
Turkey's all-inclusive packages offer further savings by bundling accommodation, airport transfers, and aftercare, reducing costs by an additional £780 ($1,000) to £1,560 ($2,000).
A Bookimed patient shared: "My hair transplant experience in Turkey at Quartz Hospital was excellent — great medical service and professional staff."
How much does a hair transplant cost in Turkey and in Western countries?
| Hair transplant procedure | Turkey cost (GBP) (USD) | United Kingdom cost (GBP) (USD) | United States cost (GBP) (USD) | Canada cost (CAD) (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FUE hair transplant | £1,950 – £4,680 ($2,500 – $6,000) | £4,520 – £9,740 ($5,800 – $12,500) | £3,000 – £12,000 ($4,000 – $15,000) | £3,800 – £6,200 ($5,000 – $10,000) |
| DHI hair transplant | £2,730 – £6,240 ($3,500 – $8,000) | £10,290 – £12,690 ($13,200 – $16,300) | £6,000 – £15,000 ($8,000 – $20,000) | £7,600 – £11,200 ($10,000 – $15,000) |
| FUT hair transplant | £1,560 – £3,900 ($2,000 – $5,000) | £3,510 – £6,240 ($4,500 – $8,000) | £4,000 – £10,000 ($5,000 – $12,000) | £5,600 – £9,600 ($7,500 – $12,500) |
| Organic hair transplant | £1,950 – £4,680 ($2,500 – $6,000) | £3,900 – £7,800 ($5,000 – $10,000) | £3,500 – £8,500 ($4,500 – $11,500) | £5,200 – £9,200 ($7,000 – $12,000) |
| ARTAS robotic hair transplant | £3,120 – £7,800 ($4,000 – $10,000) | £6,240 – £11,700 ($8,000 – $15,000) | £6,500 – £13,500 ($8,500 – $18,000) | £8,200 – £12,200 ($10,500 – $16,500) |
| Unshaven hair transplant | £2,340 – £5,460 ($3,000 – $7,000) | £4,680 – £9,360 ($6,000 – $12,000) | £4,200 – £10,200 ($5,500 – $14,000) | £6,300 – £11,300 ($8,000 – $14,500) |
| Female hair transplant | £1,950 – £5,070 ($2,500 – $6,500) | £3,900 – £7,800 ($5,000 – $10,000) | £4,200 – £9,400 ($5,500 – $12,500) | £5,700 – £10,700 ($7,500 – $14,000) |
Risks and complications
While hair transplantation is generally safe, patients should be aware of potential complications. According to medical research on complications, over 99% of patients experience no serious infections, with most complications being minor and treatable.
More common temporary effects include:
- folliculitis, affecting 10.96% of patients in donor areas and 23.29% in recipient areas;
- temporary swelling (affecting 42–70% of patients in the first week).
Normal shock loss occurs in 40% of scalp hair and 30% of beard hair transplants - this is part of the natural healing process.
To minimize risks, choose a qualified surgeon certified by organizations such as the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) and follow all pre- and post-operative care instructions carefully. Verified clinics report complication rates well below industry averages.
❗ Seek immediate care if you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, signs of infection (fever, pus), sudden swelling, or difficulty breathing.
Contraindications include uncontrolled diabetes, bleeding disorders, active scalp infections, or allergy to anesthesia.
Hair transplant costs by grafts in Turkey
A hair graft is a small section of tissue containing hair follicles that is transplanted into thinning or bald areas. Each graft usually has 1 to 4 hair follicles. The number of grafts needed varies based on factors like the size of the balding area and the desired hair density.
Managing the donor hair effectively is essential, as the donor area is limited and must be preserved by skilled surgeons for any future procedures.
Estimating graft requirements:
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500 to 1,500 grafts. Suitable for small areas, like temples or light hairline restoration.
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1,500 to 3,000 grafts. Ideal for moderate thinning, covering areas such as the crown or front hairline.
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3,000 to 5,000+ grafts. Best for extensive baldness, covering full scalp or significant hair loss areas.
Turkey offers affordable hair graft costs, with clinics providing packages based on the number of grafts needed.
- For a small 500 grafts procedure, costs in Turkey range from £780 to £1,560 ($1,000 to $2,000), compared to £3,510 ($4,500) in the U.K.
- Larger procedures, like 2,000 grafts, cost £2,340 to £3,900 ($3,000 to $5,000) in Turkey, while the U.K. and U.S. prices can reach £12,000 ($15,000).
- A full 5000 grafts procedure in Turkey ranges from £4,680 to £6,240 ($6,000 to $8,000)—up to 70% cheaper than in the U.K. or USA.
| Number of Grafts | Turkey Cost (GBP) (USD) | U.K. Prices (GBP) (USD) | USA Cost (GBP) (USD) | Canada Cost (CAD) (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 grafts | £780 – £1,560 ($1,000 – $2,000) | £3,510 – £4,680 ($4,500 – $6,000) | £3,000 – £12,000 ($4,000 – $15,000) | £3,800 – £6,200 ($5,000 – $10,000) |
| 1,500 grafts | £1,950 – £3,120 ($2,500 – $4,000) | £4,680 – £6,240 ($6,000 – $8,000) | £6,000 – £9,000 ($8,000 – $12,000) | £7,600 – £11,200 ($10,000 – $15,000) |
| 2,000 grafts | £2,340 – £3,900 ($3,000 – $5,000) | £6,240 – £7,800 ($8,000 – $10,000) | £8,000 – £12,000 ($10,000 – $15,000) | £9,200 – £13,500 ($12,000 – $18,000) |
| 2,400 grafts | £2,730 – £4,290 ($3,500 – $5,500) | £7,020 – £8,580 ($9,000 – $11,000) | £9,200 – £12,500 ($12,000 – $15,000) | £11,200 – £15,800 ($14,000 – $20,000) |
| 3,000 grafts | £3,120 – £4,680 ($4,000 – $6,000) | £7,800 – £9,750 ($10,000 – $12,500) | £10,500 – £15,000 ($12,500 – $18,750) | £13,200 – £18,600 ($15,000 – $22,500) |
| 5,000 grafts | £4,680 – £6,240 ($6,000 – $8,000) | £9,360 – £11,700 ($12,000 – $15,000) | £12,500 – £22,500 ($15,000 – $30,000) | £14,400 – £18,750 ($18,000 – $25,000) |
Hair restoration cost per graft in major Turkish cities
Turkey's prices vary slightly by city, with all options remaining highly affordable. The average Istanbul cost per graft is £0.69 ($0.85), making it a top choice for international patients. Ankara and Antalya follow closely at £0.70 ($0.87) and £0.72 ($0.90) per graft, respectively. Other cities, like Izmir and Bursa, offer similarly competitive rates, with Adana providing the lowest average at £0.65 ($0.81) per graft. These low costs per graft across Turkey's major cities highlight the country's accessibility and affordability for procedures.
Where to get hair restoration in Turkey?
| City | Average cost per graft (GBP) (USD) |
|---|---|
| Istanbul | £0.69 ($0.85) |
| Ankara | £0.70 ($0.87) |
| Izmir | £0.75 ($0.93) |
| Antalya | £0.72 ($0.90) |
| Bursa | £0.68 ($0.84) |
| Adana | £0.65 ($0.81) |
All-inclusive packages for hair restoration in Turkey
The best packages in Turkey provide a comprehensive solution with everything patients need at a fixed, transparent cost. These packages cover the entire procedure, including aftercare, with no hidden fees.
Patients can save 30–40% by choosing packages that cover accommodation, airport transfers, and language support. This allows them to focus on their journey and recovery in Turkey.
What's typically included?
Surgery
Packages cover procedures of up to 5,000 grafts, including medical supplies, local anesthesia, and restoration procedures. Popular methods, such as FUE and DHI, are included for high-quality results.
Transfers
A clinic representative meets patients at the airport and provides VIP transfers to the clinic for consultations and pre-operative preparations.
Accommodation
Stays in 4- or 5-star hotels are included, ensuring patients rest comfortably after their surgery.
Language support
Interpreter services are available in languages such as English, Arabic, and Chinese, enabling smooth communication for international patients throughout their process.
Aftercare services
On the third day after surgery, patients return to the clinic for a post-operative consultation. This follow-up ensures recovery is on track, and patients receive personalized aftercare guidance from skilled surgeons.
A Bookimed patient shared: "I am grateful to Bookimed for helping me choose a clinic. Dr. Hakan was very attentive, friendly and open."
Premium packages are available for those seeking added amenities, such as meals, spa treatments, city tours, and private transport. These packages enhance the experience for those looking for comfort and convenience, generally adding 15–20% to the standard package cost but maximizing the overall quality journey in Turkey.
| Included in Most Offers | Optional Services |
| Hair transplant ✅ | General anesthesia ❌ |
| Local anesthesia ✅ | Additional PRP sessions ❌ |
| Preoperative tests ✅ | Early detection of malignant diseases ❌ |
| Blood tests ✅ | Enhanced hair care products ❌ |
| Medications ✅ | Compression garments ❌ |
| Anti-HIV, Anti-HBC, Anti-HCV tests ✅ | Custom medical travel arrangements (e.g., air tickets) ❌ |
| Consultation with a doctor ✅ | Guided tours or tourist activities ❌ |
| PRP session ✅ | Upgrade to 5-star hotel ❌ |
| Follow-up consultation ✅ | Personal follow-up sessions with surgeons ❌ |
| Post-op medications ✅ | |
| Special shampoo and lotion ✅ | |
| Lifetime warranty on grafts ✅ | |
| 2–3 nights in a 4-star hotel (with breakfast) ✅ | VIP hotel accommodation ❌ |
| VIP transfers (airport-hotel-clinic-airport) ✅ | Additional transport requests ❌ |
| Language assistance ✅ | |
| Personal medical coordinator ✅ |
Financing options for hair restoration in Turkey
Turkey offers several ways to make costs manageable for international patients:
Installment plans
Some clinics offer interest-free installment plans, allowing payments to be split over two or three installments for procedures costing £2,340 ($3,000) to £4,680 ($6,000). Check with a Bookimed medical coordinator for details.
Medical loans
Partner banks like TurkBank offer medical loans covering up to 100% of treatment costs, including accommodation and transfers. Interest rates start from 8.5% and terms up to 48 months.
Credit cards
Most clinics accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Some may offer in-house credit plans with 0% interest if paid within six months.
Why is hair restoration in Turkey so affordable?
Turkey is known for its budget-friendly yet high-quality restoration options due to several contributing factors:
Favorable currency exchange rates
The strong U.S. dollar makes procedures in Turkey highly affordable for international patients. For example, a procedure priced at 50,000 Turkish Lira (TRY) translates to about $1,800 USD, whereas similar treatments in the U.S. can cost $6,000 to $20,000.
Government incentives
The Turkish government supports medical tourism with subsidies and tax incentives, reducing costs by an additional 10–20%. This makes Turkey an attractive destination for patients seeking cost-effective treatment.
High treatment volume
Turkey's clinics perform a large volume of procedures monthly, allowing them to purchase supplies like medical instruments and anesthesia in bulk. High patient turnover enables clinics to secure bulk discounts, reducing prices for patients by up to 30%.
Competitive clinic landscape
Turkey's abundance of skilled specialists and clinics fosters a competitive environment, further lowering prices while maintaining top-notch standards. Bookimed collaborates only with verified clinics, ensuring both quality and affordability for patients. Here, you can find the best hospital for procedures in Turkey that suits your needs.